Trampoline with a Step

ABSTRACT

An improved trampoline is disclosed having one or more upright supports and one or more steps on one or more upright supports. The steps may be spaced apart along an upright supports. The step is preferably on an upright support generally in line with a netting support pole and an opening in the netting.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present invention refers in general to the field of trampolines, and more particularly, to an improved trampoline with a step.

Description of Related Art

Trampolines generally include a jumping surface stretched and secured to a rigid frame, often by springs, though other implementations may be employed. Typically, the jumping surface is suspended at a height about 2 ½ feet, or 30 inches, to allow a user to bounce and deform the jumping surface to provide proper rebound for jumping. Protective netting encompasses the trampoline to prevent users from jumping or falling off when jumping on the trampoline, and is often secured to the outer edge of the jumping surface.

There exist several ways for a user to mount and dismount the trampoline. One such way is for a second person to help lift the first onto, and off, of the portion of the trampoline between the outer frame and the netting, usually where springs covered with a protective surface are located. Other methods include step ladders, step stools and the like, which can be unstable, cumbersome and a safety risk. While adults of particular height and physical ability are able to lift themselves onto, and off of, the portion described above, trampolines are often used by children lacking sufficient strength and coordination to safely mount and dismount the trampoline by themselves. Another method has included digging a hole in the ground of sufficient depth so that the jumping surface is at a desirable height.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved trampoline with an easy and safe apparatus to allow individuals to mount and dismount the trampoline.

It is a related object of the present invention to provide an improved trampoline that is easier to mount and dismount a trampoline.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a way for younger users to mount and dismount a trampoline.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, an improved trampoline comprises one or more upright supports and one or more steps on one or more upright supports.

Other objects and advantages will become apparent from the following descriptions, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein, by way of illustration and example, embodiments of the present invention are disclosed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The novel features believed to be characteristic of the invention are set forth in the appended claims and claims yet to be filed. However, the invention itself, as well as a preferred mode of use and further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying Figures wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a trampoline having a step in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded close-up view of the improved trampoline with a step of the section in FIG. 1 labeled 2, showing the step and mounting apparatus to the trampoline base upright support; and

FIG. 3 is an side view of the step showing the mounting to the trampoline base upright support.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Detailed descriptions of the preferred embodiments are provided herein. It is to be understood, however, that the present invention may be embodied in various forms. Various aspects of the invention may be inverted, or changed in reference to specific part shape and detail, part location, or part composition. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed system, structure or manner.

Turning first to FIG. 1, there is shown a perspective view of a trampoline having a step in accordance with the present invention. Trampoline 10 is shown having a jumping surface 11 attached to frame 13, suspended from the ground by base 15 having upright supports 17. Trampoline 11 also is shown with protective netting 21 suspended from poles 23. Protective netting 21 includes in the illustrated embodiment an opening 25 to allow a user to pass between the outside of the netting and the inside for access to the jumping surface. Often opening 25 is a closeable door that can be secured once the user is inside netting 21.

In accordance with an important feature of the present invention, step 31 is also shown on one of the upright supports 17 of base 15, about half-way along the height between the position of a user wanting to mount the trampoline and the jumping surface. In the illustrated embodiment, the step is located about 15 inches above base 15 and below jumping surface 11, though the specific position along upright support 17 is dependent upon the environment in which the trampoline is employed. Step 31 is shown with the step surface 33 horizontal, or parallel to the ground, though the particular angle of step 31 in relation to the ground or jumping surface may vary depending upon the particular preference and environment. Further, in FIG. 1, trampoline 10 is shown with base 15 wider than jumping surface 11. Such relationship is only in the illustrated embodiment and forms no aspect of the invention. Accordingly, the shape of upright support 17 or angle at which step 31 is in relation thereto, likewise forms no aspect of the invention.

Turning next to FIG. 2, there is shown an exploded close-up view of the improved trampoline with a step of the section in FIG. 1 labeled 2, showing step 31 and mounting apparatus to trampoline upright support 17 of base 15. Step 31 is shown having an uneven or non-smooth surface 33, so as to retard slipping when stepped upon by a user, whether bare footed, or with protective foot ware, though the particular surface design is unimportant. Step 31 is shown with curved portion 37 to mate well with base 15 upright support 17. Because upright support 17 may be of any variety of shapes, the particular shape or portion 37 is not specific to the invention.

Holes 41 may be factory, pre-drilled or otherwise to allow securing step 31 to upright support 17, as is shown with screws 43 and nuts 45. FIG. 3 is an side view of the step showing the mounting to the trampoline base upright support. It will be appreciated that there may be more than one step 31 at differing places along upright support 17, and step 31 may be directed in alternating positions from upright support 17, or may be positioned in the same direction. It may also be appreciated that one or more steps 31 may be on more than one upright support 17. Alternately, step 31 may be integral with upright support 17.

Turning back to FIG. 1, step 31 is shown on a particular upright support 17 that is generally in line with one of poles 23 and close to opening 25. In this manner, a user is able place a foot on step 31 while holding onto pole 23 to help lift themselves and easily enter though opening 25 onto jumping surface 11 within netting 21.

While the invention has been described in connection with preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to the particular forms set forth, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims, and claims that may issue. 

What is claimed:
 1. An improved trampoline comprising: a. one or more upright supports; and b. one or more steps on one or more upright supports.
 2. An improved trampoline as claimed in claim 1 wherein the one or more steps are spaced apart along one or more upright supports.
 3. An improved trampoline as claimed in claim 1 wherein the one or more steps are one on upright support.
 4. An improved trampoline as claimed in claim 1 wherein one step is on one upright support.
 5. An improved trampoline as claimed in claim 4 wherein the step is on an upright support generally in line with a netting support pole.
 6. An improved trampoline as claimed in claim 4 wherein the step is generally in line with an opening in the netting.
 7. An improved trampoline as claimed in claim 4 wherein the step is generally half way along the length of the upright support.
 8. An improved trampoline as claimed in claim 1 having two steps on one upright support.
 9. An improved trampoline as claimed in claim 8 wherein the two steps face in opposite directions from the upright support. 